Shaquille O’Neal was talking trash after the Cavs beat the Magic last week for the second time this season. He broke it down saying pretty much, “Superman, My Ass!” which got Howard a bit fired up. After all Howard has been outstanding all year long for the Magic this season. He has played in 54 games (all starts) for the Magic this season and he is averaging 35.0 minutes, 18.0 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.7 blocked shots per game. The Magic might need to trade for a big man though if the Cavs acquire Amare Stoudemire from the Suns because Howard will need help inside if they play them again in the playoffs.

The 33-year-old Vince Carter is long past his high-flying, highlight reel, slam-dunk champion days and his scoring abilities have been declining over the past few years, but you would not have been able to tell last night against New Orleans.  “Vinsanity” was back last night, as he looked a lot like his younger self, exploding for 48 points en route to a 123-117 victory over the Hornets.  He ended the night with 48 points on 19-27 shooting (including 6-10 from three), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, in 38 minutes of play.  Carter could have easily gotten 50, but showed his sportsmanship and let the clock run out.  Carter used an array of moves on drives, step backs, post-ups, and three-pointers to get himself a season-high 48 points.  It was only three points away from his career high.  This is a good sign for the Magic, as they are going to need VC to put up a lot of points if they want to make it back to the NBA Finals this season.

Brandon Bass has been vocal about his displeasure with his playing time with the Magic. With that in mind the Magic might try to move Bass by next week’s trading deadline. They don’t have to trade Bass so it wouldn’t be smart to move him unless the Magic make themselves a better team and I just don’t see them getting that kind of value for him. Bass has played in 29 games (3 starts) for the Magic this season and he is averaging 13.2 minutes, 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game on 52.5% shooting from the floor.

Veteran point guard Jason “White Chocolate” Williams didn’t play at all last season because of his knees. But, he isn’t showing any rust this season for the Magic. He has played in 48 games (17 starts) for the Magic this season and he is averaging 22.7 minutes, 6.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Williams is also shooting pretty well this season hitting 45.4% of his shots from the floor and 39.2% of his shots from three point range. Signing Williams was one of the best moves the Magic made last summer.